Planting and Reforestation

Erik Rantala, Administrator, with Langlade County Forestry and Recreation and Sarah Repp, with Antigo Park, Recreation and Cemetery Department collaborated to compile the following educational information for our residents and visitors.

County Reforestation and PlantingReforestation is the practice of regenerating and growing trees on sites that were previously forested. The methods to accomplish reforestation include natural and artificial regeneration. Natural regeneration is encouraged on the Langlade County Forest through the use of silvicultural methods that may include clearcuts, coppice, shelterwood cuts, strip cuts, single tree selection, and group selection.

When natural regeneration fails, or conversion to another species is desired, artificial regeneration may be employed to establish a stand of trees. The establishment of a new stand of trees typically requires some type of site preparation followed by seeding or planting. Site preparation can be accomplished mechanically or chemically using a variety of methods.

When deciding what trees species to seed or plant for a reforestation project, a number of factors must be considered. These include landowner goals, site productivity, topography, soil types, landscape position, and insect, disease and animal concerns. Management goals including timber production, wildlife habitat and aesthetic considerations can all be incorporated while selecting a desirable forest condition.

Seed or seedlings can be ordered through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at the Antigo Ranger Station. WIDNR can also provide technical assistance to landowners who wish to conduct a tree planting project on their property.

Tree Planting in City LimitsTrees planted in our City boulevards aesthetically enhance our community’s appeal. However, proper procedure must be followed before any planting takes place in a boulevard, terrace or city owned right-of-way.

The City of Antigo has an urban forestry program that is run through the Park, Recreation and Cemetery Department. Because we do not have a full-time urban forestry staff member, planting, pruning and removal requests are processed based on safety, time, labor and materials. If you have had a tree removed from your boulevard we will assess the location and determine if planting a new tree is appropriate given space limitations, overhead lines and underground utilities.

All trees on City property are maintained in a GIS database. It is imperative that the City is aware of any new plantings, hazardous trees, pruning requests or suspected disease or pest issues. With an updated database we are better able to manage our urban forest and provide our community and residents with healthy trees that last lifetimes.

Requesting a Tree within City LimitsIf you would like to request a tree in a boulevard, within City of Antigo limits, that is adjacent to your property, please refer to the following procedure:

1. Contact the Park, Recreation, and Cemetery Department for approval. If you plant without the appropriate approval you may be asked to remove your planting from the boulevard area: 623.3633 extension – 131

You may also visit our website for additional information and forms at www.antigo-city.org.

You may not receive a tree within the calendar year depending on budget, tree availability and labor. We will, however, place your request on a list and re-address the request the following year.

If there are overhead wires above the planting site, we require the new tree to be a “line friendly” species.

We promote variety when planting. Too many of one tree species could pose a high financial risk to the city and an aesthetically unpleasant result if there is a disease or insect outbreak that decimates that particular species. Evergreen and maple trees in city owned public right-of-way are not allowed for new plantings.

Selecting Your Perfect Tree

There are so many trees to choose from – large beautiful shade trees, small ornamentals and evergreens, to name a few. In an urban forest, it is important to remember proper tree for proper place even when you are planting on your personal property. The following website has additional information: http://learningstore.uwex.edu/Assets/pdfs/A3864.pdf

Avoid tall growing trees under power lines.

Remember trees grow, so don’t plant too close to your home or too close to other trees

When planting a tree it is important to follow some basic guidelines and plan appropriately:

Contact Diggers Hotline:

Anytime you plan on digging you need to contact Diggers Hotline at: 1-800-242-8511, or via e-mail on their website at: diggershotline.com. Contacting Diggers Hotline ensures underground utilities are marked, so you don’t puncture or sever an electrical line, gas line, water service or fiber cable that may be running underground.

Locates for underground utilities can take a minimum of 3 days to be marked, so make sure you plan accordingly.

At this time the City of Antigo does not allow property owners to plant in the boulevard or terrace area or City owned right-of-way.

Be sure to water your tree. Water is a limiting factor and is vitally important for your new tree.

Pull mulch away from the base of the tree to prevent rot and insects.

There shall be a minimum distance of 16 feet and a recommended distance of 25-30 feet between trees for small trees; 16 feet minimum and recommended distance of 35-40 feet for medium trees; 30 foot minimum and recommended distance or 45-50 feet between trees for large trees.

Trees shall be planted an equal distance between the sidewalk or proposed sidewalk and back of curb or proposed back of curb.

If boulevard or terrace areas are less than 5 feet, planting will not be permitted.

Trees shall be planted at least 10 feet from driveways and at least 15 feet from curb box, water shutoffs, alleys and intersections.

“This document was funded in part by an urban forestry grant from the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forestry Program as authorized under s. 23.097, Wis. Stat.”